Effect of different nitrogen levels and cutting stages on crude protein, crude fiber, dry matter and green fodder yield of oat (Avena sativa L.)

In Pakistan and especially in the Province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, less attention has been given on research of fodder and forages, it is therefore animals are generally underfed and under nourished which results in their poor performance. An experiment titled "effect of different nitrogen levels and cutting stages on crude protein, crude fiber, dry matter and green fodder yield of oat (Avena sativa L.)" was conducted at Fodder Section, Livestock Research and Development Station Surezai under the seam arid condition of Peshawar valley to investigate an optimum nitrogen level and a proper cutting stage of oat that out yield the best results in terms of quality quantity. The experiment was conducted by using split plot randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times. The nitrogen level (N1=30 kg per ha, N2 = 60 kg per ha, N3 = 90 kg per ha and N4 = 120 kg per ha) were assigned to main plots while oat cutting stages i.e. (at booting stage and at 50% heading stage) were given to sub plot. Maximum crude protein (9.53%), crude fiber (39.27%) and dry matter (94.98%) was obtained with application of N @ 120 kg per ha and highest (39.16 t per ha) green fodder yield was recorded in the plots received N @ 90 kg per ha. Minimum crude protein (6.02%), crude fiber (34.32%), dry matter (93.02%) and green fodder (32.00 t per ha) was achieved with the application of N @ 30 kg per ha. Cutting at pre booting stage resulted in highest crude protein (8.42%) and dry matter (94.51%) while lowest in crude fiber (35.22%), green fodder yield (31.25 t per ha) whereas cutting at 50% heading stage yielded minimum crude protein (7.00%) and dry matter (94.24%) and highest crude fiber (38.23%) and green fodder yield (39.50 t per ha). It is conducted from the experiment that nitrogen should be applied @ 90 kg per ha and cutting should be taken at pre booting stage of fodder oat to get optimum outcome in term of quality and quantity in the study area.